Latest news with #miningcompanies
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Is South Africa the key to unlocking Africa's mining potential?
Characterised by growing uncertainty in US foreign policy and changing global trade dynamics in 2025, the hazards of relying too much on foreign partners have been highlighted by the current geopolitical environment. The African mining industry, which depends on foreign supply chains and knowledge, is facing uncertainty as a result of recent changes in US trade policy, investment limitations, and strategic recalibrations brought on by local political upheavals and international competitiveness. Image credit: Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels These conditions have exposed vulnerabilities in skills transfer and local capacity development across the continent. In response, building robust local training and development capabilities has become a critical priority for African governments and mining companies. Reducing dependency on foreign providers not only limits exposure to global political volatility but also aligns with growing regulatory demands within Africa that emphasise local content and skills development. In this environment, South African training companies offer a valuable alternative: they bring regionally relevant expertise, cultural understanding, and a proven track record of competency-based mining training. Partnering with South African providers is a practical step toward closing skills gaps and strengthening the operational resilience of Africa's mining sector in uncertain times. Over a century of expertise South Africa's mining industry, with over 150 years of continuous operation, has developed training systems that combine historical depth with ongoing innovation. This extensive experience has positioned South African training providers as leaders in competency-based programmes that meet rigorous regulatory and safety standards. Other African countries — especially emerging mining markets like Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Zambia — stand to benefit by integrating South African training methodologies into their mining development projects. This transfer of expertise supports compliance with local regulations while fostering beneficiation efforts that enhance economic growth and industrialisation. Moreover, South African training companies understand the complex socio-economic contexts across the rest of Africa, allowing them to tailor their programmes for local realities. Their approach goes beyond theoretical instruction to include practical workplace learning, ensuring trainees are job-ready and safety-conscious. This makes South African providers an effective bridge between global mining standards and local workforce development — a crucial factor as African nations seek to increase the value extracted from their mineral resources amid a shifting geopolitical backdrop. Challenges in mining training Many African countries continue to look to traditional mining training hubs such as Australia, Canada or Europe for guidance. However, these distant providers often deliver programmes that are expensive and not fully aligned with the unique operational, economic, and cultural realities in Africa. As a result, training in many regions remains fragmented, focusing narrowly on minimum qualifications instead of comprehensive competency and safety. This gap has led to situations where unqualified or undertrained workers assume critical roles, increasing risks to safety and productivity. The geopolitical shifts affecting international cooperation, such as tighter US export controls and changes in multilateral trade agreements, have further complicated access to foreign training resources. African mining sectors need solutions that are both accessible and effective. Without reform, skills shortages and training quality gaps will continue to limit mining growth and the creation of sustainable local employment opportunities. These challenges highlight the urgency of adopting locally embedded training solutions that can be scaled efficiently. Competency and practical training South African training providers operate under strict national standards governed by bodies like the Mining Qualifications Authority, which align with international benchmarks. Their training programmes integrate classroom theory with extensive hands-on, on-site experience. This ensures that learners not only understand mining concepts but also apply them safely and efficiently in real working conditions before certification. This competency-based approach directly addresses shortcomings in many African training programmes that focus on passing exams rather than developing practical skills. This advantage is especially important given the current uncertainties in global supply chains and expertise flows, influenced by geopolitical tensions and changing alliances. South African providers' regional proximity, cultural affinity, and proven training frameworks allow them to respond quickly and effectively to evolving needs on the continent. Their involvement helps reduce operational risks and supports the sustainable growth of mining operations, which is vital for African economies striving to diversify and industrialise amid a complex international environment. Changing perceptions and building trust Despite their strong credentials, South African training providers sometimes face scepticism, partly due to outdated perceptions or competition from international providers. However, these providers offer expertise on par with global standards, combined with a nuanced understanding of African labour markets and socio-cultural dynamics. This combination enables them to build effective partnerships that respect local contexts and contribute to long-term workforce development. Beyond technical skills, South African companies are working to change how mining careers are perceived locally. By offering structured career pathways and community engagement, they help workers see mining not as temporary employment but as a sustainable profession. This mindset shift is key to empowering local communities and improving retention rates — critical factors for mining companies seeking stable, skilled labour in a region increasingly focused on self-reliance amid global uncertainty. Cost-effectiveness Economic pressures and currency volatility, partly driven by global geopolitical shifts, have increased the cost sensitivity of mining operations across Africa. In this context, South African training providers offer a competitive alternative to more distant international providers. The favourable exchange rate of the South African Rand compared to these currencies means that training can be delivered at lower cost without compromising standards. This cost advantage does not come at the expense of quality. South African training programmes maintain high standards and are designed to meet or exceed global benchmarks. For African mining companies looking to maximise the return on investment in skills development, South African providers present a balanced solution — delivering internationally recognised competency-based training that is accessible and affordable. Preparing Africa's mining sector In 2025, global geopolitical tensions, including shifts in US foreign policy, trade realignments, and emerging regional blocs, are forcing African mining sectors to reconsider their strategic partnerships. South Africa is well-positioned to support this transition by providing reliable, regionally relevant training solutions that meet international standards. Their programmes facilitate skills transfer and capacity building, enabling African mining companies to improve safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Partnering with South African training providers helps African nations reduce reliance on unpredictable international sources and build self-sustaining training ecosystems. This approach supports regulatory compliance, local employment, and beneficiation initiatives — key pillars of mining sector growth and resilience. In the current global context, choosing South African training companies as local partners is a practical, strategic decision that contributes directly to unlocking Africa's vast mining potential.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gold's Bull Run: Seasonal Strength Meets Conflicting COT Report—Are You In?
Gold market bulls have been riding an intense wave since the 2022 lows, when prices began trending towards the $2,000 per ounce level and finally breaking out, and the momentum hasn't let up. By July 2025, gold had an all-time high of $3,509.9, based on the nearest futures contract charts. Trading up 117% from $1,618 in October 2022. Managed Money began aggressively buying during the October 2022 lows and continued until September 2024, when gold was trading near $2,730. Later, I will assess the current Commitment of Traders (COT) report. Hedgers, like mining companies and central banks, have also benefited. Miners like Newmont (NEM) had revenue in Q1 2025 of $5.01 billion, representing a 24.5% increase from the $4.023 billion reported in Q1 2024. Higher year-over-year realized gold prices primarily drove this increase. In 2024, central banks accumulated significant gold as part of their reserve diversification strategy amidst global economic uncertainties and currency volatility. The amount of gold stockpiled was close to 1,045 metric tonnes, according to the World Gold Council. This marked the third consecutive year in which central bank gold purchases exceeded 1,000 tonnes, a trend according to AInvest driven by geopolitical tensions, inflation risks, and a strategic retreat from the U.S. dollar. This rally has rewarded both those chasing quick profits and those shielding against economic uncertainty. Silver Prices Are Pushing Higher. How Should You Trade the Precious Metal Here? Dollar Gains on Tariff Escalation Dollar Gains on Tariff Escalation Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. Two events point to potentially higher gold prices ahead. First, central bank purchases are set to continue, with the People's Bank of China continuing its 2024 buying spree. Reporting amounts of gold purchased by the PBOC is challenging to narrow down due to the underreporting of Chinese gold purchases, making it difficult to confirm the exact quantity definitively. Second, reports over the weekend that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will be resigning could result in much lower short-term interest rates if President Trump gets his wish of a more dovish Fed Chairman replacement. This would lead to a lower U.S. dollar and interest rates, which is bullish for gold prices. However, one event could disappoint gold buyers: If Powell does resign and the new chairperson drastically cuts short-term interest rates, the markets may perceive this as highly inflationary due to the strength of the current economy and employment situation. Thereby raising yields on the long end of the yield curve (TLT), anticipating this uptick in inflation. This would be a headwind for gold investors/traders as gold usually underperforms in high-interest-rate environments. Speculators might face short-term losses, while hedgers could see reduced urgency for gold if U.S. dollar stability returns. Source: Barchart Technically, gold is still in a long-term uptrend. The weekly chart shows how gold has consistently traded over the 50-week simple moving average (SMA) since breaking above $2,000. The current bull market has been trading at extreme distances from its 50 SMA, leading to concerns that the price may need to return to its mean to correct some of the bullishness in the market. Trend followers would still respect this bullish uptrend by trading what they see the market is doing and not trying to predict what it might do. I wish I could say that this uptrend is now in the hands of the strong hands, who manage money, but I can't. The following graphs will help explain my words. Source: CME Group Exchange The COT report for Managed Money shows how in 2022 the price (yellow line) put in a low and began an uptrend. As gold prices increased, each new high was met with new Managed Money buying (blue bars). However, the highs in 2024 were the last time Managed Money increased their gross long positions with each new high price in gold. Seeing the price rally and Managed Money restraining from aggressive buying has me wondering who has been doing all this new buying? Source: CME Group Exchange I checked the commercial traders and swap dealers, which had no buying, and then the non-reportables, and found the aggressive buyers. Unfortunately, non-reportable traders rarely have the staying power of the previously listed traders. Non-reportable does not mean they are only retail traders, but could be larger speculators trading contract sizes under the reportable level. The non-reportables have continued buying new highs in gold up to the recent all-time highs. I don't consider this a sell signal, but it does let me know that it might not take much to create a cascade in gold market prices, which could be like a vacuum as the smaller traders rush for the exits simultaneously. The non-reportables have done well pushing these prices higher, and the trend continues. I only wanted to point out this COT report issue as a yellow flag of caution. As I've been writing, the gold market has had a significant move, and some of the items I mentioned may cause a headwind to higher gold prices. While I firmly believe in trend following, I like to be aware of upcoming events that may impact the market I choose to trade. Gold has historically had significant moves higher from July to early September. Moore Research Center, Inc. (MRCI) has extensively researched the gold market. Resulting in finding this potential bullish opportunity. As a crucial reminder, while seasonal patterns can provide valuable insights, they should not be the basis for trading decisions. Traders must consider various technical and fundamental indicators, risk management strategies, and market conditions to make informed and balanced trading decisions. Source: MRCI MRCI searches for profitable seasonal patterns and patterns with the least drawdown during the seasonal period (yellow box). After all, who wants to sit through a significant drawdown on the way to a potential profit? Gold has followed its seasonal 15-year pattern (blue line) fairly well since the beginning of the year. March usually sees a correction of some sort, sideways or down. The gold market has been trading sideways since then. Is it now ready to embark on its seasonal July bottom rally? I've added the Relative Strength Index (RSI) to the seasonal chart. In uptrends, it's not unusual for markets to enter corrections and end when the RSI has retraced back to the 50% vicinity. The gold market has had three of these corrections, each seeing a bounce in price. Gold is beginning its July seasonal buying window, and the RSI has been hovering around the 50% level. Coincidence? MRCI research has found that December gold has closed higher on approximately August 23 than on July 24 for 12 of the past 15 years, an 80% occurrence. During this time, four years never had a daily closing drawdown. During hypothetical testing, gold averaged about 47 points, $4,700 per winning trade during this seasonal window. Source: MRCI In the past, futures traders could participate in these moves using the standard-size contract (GC) or the micro-size (GR) contract, and equity traders could use the exchange-traded fund (ETF) symbol (GLD). Additionally, investors could purchase physical gold in the spot market. While the GR contract is more affordable than the GC for many traders, there has still been significant demand for a smaller gold contract from the retail trading base. To answer this request, the CME Group launched a 1-ounce gold futures contract on January 13, 2025, aimed at the retail client. Specifications for the new gold contract are: Contract Size: 1 ounce Pricing: U.S. dollars and cents per ounce Tick size: $0.25 (note the GC and GR contracts are $0.10) Trading symbol: 1OZ Expiration months: Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, & Dec Settlement method: Cash settled The features of the 1OZ contract allow traders to track the price of gold more accurately. The 1OZ futures are directly tied to the spot price, offering accurate market exposure. Gold market bulls have enjoyed a remarkable run, with prices soaring 117% from $1,618 in October 2022 to an all-time high of $3,509.9 by July 2025, per futures contract charts. Central bank purchases, with 1,045 metric tonnes added in 2024 per the World Gold Council, and geopolitical tensions, like U.S.-global trade disputes, continue to drive demand. However, a potential headwind looms: a new Federal Reserve Chair in 2026 could slash short-term rates, sparking inflation fears and raising long-end yields, which historically pressure gold. Speculators face short-term risks if yields spike, while hedgers might see less need for gold if dollar stability returns. The Commitment of Traders (COT) report raises caution, showing non-reportable traders, not Managed Money, driving recent highs, per CME Group data. These smaller players, upping bets through July 2025, lack the staying power of the more capitalized managed money traders, signaling a risk of sharp sell-offs if sentiment shifts. Seasonally, gold's July-to-early-September rally, with an 80% chance of closing higher by August 23 per Moore Research Center's 15-year data, supports bulls, especially with the Relative Strength Index near 50%, a level tied to past bounces. Yet, traders must weigh this against technical overextension, as gold trades far above its 50-week moving average. For those looking to trade, CME Group's new 1-ounce gold futures contract (1OZ), launched January 13, 2025, offers retail traders a cash-settled, affordable way to track spot prices, complementing standard (GC) and micro (GR) contracts. Speculators can capitalize on volatility, while hedgers gain precise exposure to protect against economic uncertainty. Despite risks, the trend remains bullish, but traders should monitor COT shifts and changes to the Fed Chair position to navigate potential corrections. On the date of publication, Don Dawson did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
The Mystery of Trump's 25% Tariff Threat on Kazakhstan
When President Trump announced tariffs in April, officials in Kazakhstan were surprised to see their country on the list. Kazakhstan, a resource-rich country that borders Russia and China, does a minimal amount of trade with the United States. And based on how Kazakh government officials interpreted Mr. Trump's new policies, more than 90 percent of its exports to the United States would be exempt from the tariff. Still, it said it was ready to negotiate the terms of trade with Washington. Then this week, Kazakhstan was one of nearly two dozen countries to receive nearly identical warning letters from Mr. Trump. Strike a deal by Aug. 1 or face a 25 percent tariff, the letter directed. The aggressive approach by the Trump administration is a bit of a turnabout for Kazakhstan. American officials have spent much of the last decade promising money and support to prod the country to open up its economy, especially mining. Historically, the United States was a major investor in Kazakhstan, primarily for oil and gas development. American investment in the country peaked a few years ago in 2022, and it has been trending lower since. In more recent years, mining companies from the United States and other countries have been looking for ways to tap Kazakhstan's minerals. In 2024, the Kazakh government issued more than 50 percent more mining exploration licenses than in the previous year. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
ABC News
07-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Pressure mounts on the International Seabed Authority to deliver deep-sea mining regulations that are still 'two to three years' away
Delegates from around the world, including those on both sides of the deep-sea mining divide in the Pacific, have arrived in Jamaica for the 30th session of the International Seabed Authority Assembly and Council. The gathering comes hot on the heels of the delivery of new research into the potential environmental impacts of mining the seabed, and a matter of months after US President Donald Trump signed off on an executive order designed to open up US and international waters to mining companies. So now, with pressure mounting on the ISA, the hope is they will move closer to finalising regulations for deep-sea mining in international waters at last.
Bloomberg
12-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Tanzania Wants Large Miners to Refine, Trade 20% of Gold Locally
Tanzania plans to make it compulsory for large-scale miners to refine and trade at least 20% of their gold output domestically as the East African nation seeks to benefit from a rally in the bullion price and control a larger share of its resources. Miners that will likely be affected by the move include Barrick Gold Corp., the world's second largest gold producer, and AngloGold Ashanti Plc.
